Today's Supreme Court Decision on Race in College Admissions

June 29, 2023

Members of the Rutgers Community,

As you may already know, the Supreme Court of the United States today rendered a decision in two cases regarding the use of race as a consideration in college admissions. Those cases are Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard University.

In today's decision, the Supreme Court held that Harvard's and UNC's consideration of race in admissions decisions violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. In so doing, the Court rejected the role that race played in implementing the diversity-related goals asserted by Harvard and UNC. The Court did acknowledge, however, that colleges and universities may consider an applicant’s personal qualities and characteristics, even where such traits are informed by the applicant’s life experience as a member of a particular race.   

Please know that we will take the time to review our policies and practices to ensure they follow the law established by today’s decision.

At the same time, Rutgers remains committed to our values as a university. Rutgers embodies the democratic possibilities of our country, opening its doors for people from the broadest range of backgrounds and recognizing that excellence can be found everywhere—and that will not change with this ruling. Our commitment to being a powerful engine of social mobility for students and their families will not change.  We continue to recognize the immense advantages that a richly diverse student body and faculty bring to the academic enterprise and the importance of providing affordable access to a world-class education for a diverse array of students.

New Jersey’s diversity is its strength. We value and will continue to build on that strength as the State University of New Jersey.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Holloway
President, Rutgers University

Nancy Cantor
Chancellor, Rutgers University-Newark

Francine Conway
Chancellor-Provost, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Brian Strom
Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences

Antonio Tillis
Chancellor, Rutgers University-Camden